Image allegedly showing Iran executing spies draws attention as Tehran launches a wide-ranging campaign to hunt down Israeli intelligence operatives following the recent 12-day conflict.
On June 17, an image circulating on social media platform X drew attention, captioned as the execution of four people, including one woman, for allegedly spying for Israel.
The image shows four individuals with black hoods, hands tied behind their backs, standing on gallows, ready to be executed.
The incident was widely shared amid tensions following the 12-day war between Iran and Israel, which began on June 13 with Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking officials and scientists.
The attacks prompted military retaliation from Iran, including multiple missile and drone strikes.
Revelations from Israel about their ability to infiltrate deep into Iran led Tehran to expand its campaign to hunt down Mossad operatives on a large scale.
The Iran Human Rights Organization reported that since the conflict began, at least six people have been executed by hanging for allegedly spying for Israel, with over 1,000 others arrested on related charges.
According to an AFP report on July 9, while human rights groups confirm Iran has carried out numerous arrests and executions, the viral image does not reflect an actual event.
Using reverse image search tools, AFP’s verification team found that the original image was from a Western movie titled “Hang ‘Em High,” released in 1968, starring American actor Clint Eastwood.
AFP confirmed that the viral image was actually a clip from this movie, uploaded on October 8, 2016, to the YouTube channel MovieClips.
The original scene appears clearly at the 1-minute 18-second mark in a video titled “Hang ‘Em High (10/12) Movie CLIP – A Hanging and a Shooting (1968) HD.”
Previously, this image also appeared on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, accompanied by comments supporting the alleged execution claimed to have occurred in Iran.
AFP stated there is no evidence that the viral image depicts a real event recently taking place in Iran.
Recently, social media circulated a video purportedly showing a brawl during a meeting of the Israeli Parliament. The truth behind this story remains unclear.
Iran
Iran, a country in Western Asia, is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, dating back to the Elamite kingdoms (2700–539 BCE) and later the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great (6th century BCE). Known for its rich cultural heritage, Iran boasts UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Persepolis, the ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire, and the stunning Islamic architecture of Isfahan. Its history reflects influences from Zoroastrianism, Islam, and various dynasties, including the Safavids, who established Shi’a Islam as the state religion in the 16th century.
Israel
Israel is a country in the Middle East with deep historical and religious significance, particularly for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Established in 1948 as a modern state, it is rooted in ancient ties to the land dating back thousands of years, including the biblical Kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Key cultural and historical sites include Jerusalem’s Old City (home to the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque), Masada, and the Dead Sea.
Mossad
The Mossad is Israel’s national intelligence agency, established in 1949 to gather intelligence, conduct covert operations, and ensure national security. Known for high-profile missions like the capture of Adolf Eichmann and counterterrorism efforts, it plays a key role in Israel’s defense strategy. The agency operates globally and is one of the world’s most renowned intelligence organizations.
Iran Human Rights Organization
The Iran Human Rights Organization (IHRO) is an independent non-governmental organization dedicated to monitoring and advocating for human rights in Iran. Established in 2005 by exiled Iranian activists, it documents abuses such as arbitrary arrests, executions, and suppression of freedoms, particularly focusing on women’s rights, minority groups, and political prisoners. Despite operating outside Iran due to government restrictions, IHRO works to raise global awareness through reports and campaigns.
AFP
The **AFP** (Agence France-Presse) is a leading international news agency headquartered in Paris, France. Founded in 1835 as **Havas**, it is one of the world’s oldest news agencies and provides coverage in multiple languages across politics, business, sports, and more. AFP plays a key role in global journalism, maintaining a reputation for independence and rapid reporting.
Hang ‘Em High
“Hang ‘Em High” is a famous Western film released in 1968, directed by Ted Post and starring Clint Eastwood. While not a physical place or cultural site, the movie is set in the American Old West and follows the story of a wrongfully accused man who survives a lynching and seeks justice as a lawman. The title references the harsh frontier justice of the era, where hangings were a common form of punishment.
Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood is not a place or cultural site but a renowned American actor, filmmaker, and cultural icon. Rising to fame in Westerns like *The Good, the Bad and the Ugly* and as Dirty Harry, he later became an acclaimed director, winning Oscars for films like *Unforgiven* and *Million Dollar Baby*. His influence spans Hollywood and popular culture, symbolizing rugged individualism and cinematic artistry.
MovieClips
“MovieClips” is a popular YouTube channel and online platform that offers short clips from a wide variety of films, including classic and contemporary movies. Launched in 2009, it provides officially licensed content, allowing fans to easily access memorable scenes, trailers, and highlights. The platform serves as a go-to resource for movie enthusiasts seeking quick entertainment or nostalgic moments from their favorite films.
YouTube
YouTube is a popular online video-sharing platform founded in 2005 by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim. It allows users to upload, view, and share videos, revolutionizing digital media and becoming a key part of internet culture. Acquired by Google in 2006, YouTube has grown into a global hub for entertainment, education, and communication, with billions of users worldwide.
Facebook
Facebook is a social media platform founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and his college roommates at Harvard University. Originally created as a networking site for students, it quickly expanded globally, becoming one of the largest social media platforms with billions of users. Facebook has played a significant role in shaping online communication, digital marketing, and social interactions, though it has also faced controversies over privacy, misinformation, and data security.
Instagram
Instagram is a popular social media platform launched in 2010, allowing users to share photos and videos with filters and editing tools. Initially focused on visual storytelling, it expanded to include features like Stories, Reels, and shopping, becoming a key platform for influencers, brands, and personal connections. Acquired by Facebook (now Meta) in 2012, Instagram has grown into a global cultural phenomenon with over a billion users.
Israeli Parliament
The Israeli Parliament, known as the **Knesset**, is the legislative branch of Israel’s government, located in Jerusalem. Established in 1949, it is based on principles of a parliamentary democracy and consists of 120 members elected through proportional representation. The Knesset’s name and structure draw inspiration from the ancient Jewish assembly (*Knesset HaGdola*) during the Second Temple period.
